In a brave bid to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, 20 gardai from the Fermoy District took on a gruelling triathlon style challenge last weekend.

Garda Vincent Guerin from Kildorrery, who thought of the challenge as a novel way to raise funds, said that they were all watching the weather forecasts all week with trepidation, before being greeted by a welcome cool, but dry morning on Saturday last as they gathered in Mitchelstown for the first leg of their challenge.

The Top 2 Toe challenge began with a climb over the Galtees from Anglesboro to King's Yard before cycling to Mitchelstown and then kayaking down the Funcheon River.

"The climb over the Galtees was tough and unfortunately the weather turned fairly brutal the further we went up, but five hours later, we dropped down to Steven and Bridget’s Kings Yard facilities for a well earned break with plenty of soup and sandwiches supplied by Sue with Eleanor, Laura and Roisin.

"There were plenty of tired bodies as we then mounted our bikes and headed out of the woods, but the pain was largely forgotten as we first got a great reception in Kilbehenny and then as we went up through Mitchelstown, with plenty of hooting of horns and sirens. 

"As we turned into Mitchelstown Garda Station we were greeted by Brian McCarthy and the Blackwater Adventure Centre crew and I’d say it was only then that most of us really thought about the final leg which was going to be a kayak down the Funcheon River," Garda Guerin told The Avondhu.

All of the gardai were novices to kayaking and the three guides with them on the water were a welcome addition to their crew.

"To say this leg was the highlight for everyone would be an understatement because with the steady flow of water now underneath us and the sun now glistening off the top we absolutely cruised down the river. With Dave and Willie Lee on standby at the weir in Rockmills and a family of swans looking on, it was a great way to see a new side to the area," Garda Guerin added. 

On behalf of all of the gardai who took part, Garda Guerin said that it was a tough challenge, but one that was for a very worthwhile cause and he thanked everyone who helped out in any way, sponsored them or did anything to make their challenge that bit easier.

If anyone would like to support the fundraiser, they can still do so by calling into Mitchelstown, Fermoy or Kildorrery Garda Stations and giving a donation and all support would be greatly appreciated.

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